Monkey Number 1 Says

Defensive Woes Updated:

Sources tell TSN that Vancouver Canucks defenceman Kevin Bieksa's injury is worse than originally feared. "It could be months not weeks" is how Bieksa's prognosis is now being described.

Bieksa was originally expected to miss eight weeks after sustaining a deep cut on his right calf from the skate of Predators' forward Vernon Fiddler during the Canucks 3-0 loss to Nashville November 1st. That cut that was deeper than the Canucks initially thought.

Bieksa underwent surgery to repair the damage and was fitted with a cast following the procedure.

The belief is once the cast comes off, the Canucks blueliner will have to endure a lengthy rehabilitation process.

After a breakout campaign last season, Bieksa signed a three-year $11.25 million contract in the off season to anchor the Canucks blueline. He struggled in the early going with one goal and three assists in 12 games this season.

Meanwhile, Bieksa's teammate, Sami Salo is considered to be at least four weeks from returning.

Salo, who suffered a severely broken nose and cracked sinus cavity in the same game is having difficulty breathing due to swelling.

Lukas Krajicek, a third member of the Canucks defensive corps is likely at least two weeks away from returning after cracking a bone in his ankle last month